There are two ways that a police officer can make an arrest. First, in some cases, the officer can arrest without a warrant based on probable cause.Law enforcement officers do not generally need a warrant to make an arrest in a public place. Florida law outlines exceptions that allow police officers to arrest someone or to search their property without the need for a judge to issue a warrant first. The officer cannot legally make a warrantless arrest for a misdemeanor unless the crime was committed in his or her presence. In order to obtain an arrest warrant, law enforcement agents must present the court with a sworn affidavit establishing probable cause. To make a misdemeanor arrest without a warrant, the officer must make the arrest immediately or in fresh pursuit of the suspect. Failure to appear for an upcoming court date has serious consequences. If an officer witnesses a crime in progress, he can make an arrest without a warrant. There are exceptions to the arrest warrant requirement.